3 Breathtaking Natures in Kumamoto

3 Breathtaking Natures in Kumamoto

Kumamoto boasts two national parks, which contain an abundance of scenic beauty. Witnessing their breathtaking landscapes would be the perfect build-up to one’s expereince, while visiting Kumamoto for the Rugby World Cup 2019.

1Aso-Kuju National Park

Aso-Kuju National Park, which spans across the prefectures of Kumamoto and Oita, is a mountainous park with many volcanoes and the world’s largest caldera basin – the circumference of which measures approximately 90 kilometers.

Mount Aso, in Kumamoto area, is a rare volcano among volcanoes anywhere in the world, in that regular tourists can walk straight up to the edge of the crater and peer in. Visitors can enjoy spots such as Mt.Naka-dake on the central crater, Komezuka – a crater so clean-carved that it resembles an inverted bowl, Sensuikyo Ravine where is especially famous for azaleas flowers blooming in May, and Shirakawa Suigen, a cluster of mineral water springs that bubble up in the southern part of the Aso mountain range.

2Amakusa

Amakusa is a series of islands off the west coast of Kyushu, which are abundant with lush greenery and natural geological formations that have earned the islands a designation as national Geopark. Wild dolphins live amongst the islands, and can be seen on boat tours. Amakusa is the perfect island gateway to enjoy beaches, camping, marine sports, or any of the nearby hot spring villages that will await you there.

3Kuma River

Kuma River flows through the southern region of Kumamoto Prefecture. As it is considered to be one of the three most rapid rivers of Japan, taking a traditional wooden boat to cruise down the river has been popular among tourists since the Edo Period (1603-1868.)